Dear Friend,
I’ve lit a candle for you today as I’ve done in the past six anniversaries, today included. Do you see it, how it’s small, flickering flame by the window spreads a soft light? Do you see how, in more recent years, I’ve added a few more candles and now the light, while heavier to the heart, is also brighter?
Thank you for the unexpected gift of new friendships. Because of shared grief, your other friends have become my friends. Do you see how we talk to each other about our children, about books and movies, about travels and travails? Do you see how we connect with one another from all over the world? It’s your friendship with each one of us that has brought us together. How I wish we could continue to enjoy this circle of friendship with you.
Thank you for the unexpected gift of purpose. Since your passing, I’ve been trying to educate myself about mental health and self-care. In my own small ways, I’ve been advocating for more awareness and better understanding of mental illness and its proper care, of depression and suicide prevention. If I can reach one person in need of help, if I can encourage one person to stay for another day or one person to spread words of hope and love, I hope you see it and smile.
Thank you for the beautiful memories of our friendship. I’m lucky to have known a woman such as you, full of kindness, creativity, generosity and love. I cherish the memories of tea breaks with the other mommies, play dates for our kids, chats in person and online to support one another or to simply stay in touch.
Thank you for being a light in the world when you were around. Watch out for my candle for you this time next year. It will burn with the same thoughts and prayers I hold in my heart for you and for your loved ones today and many other days in the year.